OPP urge public to recognize, reject and report fraud

The OPP and its Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre partners are launching their annual Fraud Prevention Month campaign to prevent thousands of Canadians from falling victim to fraud.

During the month of March, the OPP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Competition Bureau of Canada are joining police services across the country to promote public awareness and help prevent all Canadians from becoming victims of fraud.

This year, the OPP's Fraud Prevention Month education campaign will highlight three mass-marketing fraud priorities including:
 

• Emergency Scam and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Scam
• Romance Scam
• Microsoft/Computer Service Scams

Fraud-related crimes take a destructive toll on victims while amassing millions of dollars to further criminal enterprises. Sadly, 95 per cent of fraud victims never report the crime to police.

"Criminals prey on society's most vulnerable people to fuel further criminal activities," says deputy commissioner Rick Barnum, provincial commander, OPP investigations and organized crime. "We all need to do what we can to ensure the public recognizes and reports all types of fraud to prevent further harm and victimization."

Regardless of age, gender and location, people can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Some basic tips include never giving out personal or financial information at the door, over the phone, by E-mail or through social media, or onto unsecured retail or dating websites.

The OPP will be posting tips and links to various resources on-line. The public is encouraged to engage in the conversation to help recognize, reject and report fraud on social media by using the hashtags #FPM2017 #DontBeAVictim and #OPPtips.

If you or someone you know suspect they've been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through a new, easy to use Fraud Reporting System (FRS). To report fraud or any crime anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS) or on-line at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm

LEARN MORE

Fraud Prevention Month enters its 13^th year in 2017. From January, 2014, to December, 2016, it is estimated that Canadians lost more than $290-million to fraudsters. For more fraud facts and figures and a downloadable booklet (PDF), visit The Competition Bureau of Canada website at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04201.html
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.